A three-mendous boost for Baker Street plans
Trust get trio of grants towards Paisley arts project
Ambitious plans to build a theatre, cinema and performance academy in a derelict plot of land in Paisley have been given a trio of funding boosts.
Paisley Community Trust (PCT) has been given £22,150 from the Scottish Land Fund; £ 10,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s Community Empowerment Fund and £ 5,000 from Social Investment Scotland.
Gary Kerr, chairman of PCT, said the cash would help them develop their business case and move the £ 25million project – dubbed Baker Street – forward.
They want to create a 500-seat theatre, restaurant and cafe as well as a 170-seat, a 120-seat and three 70-seat cinemas planned between Smithhills Street and Incle Street.
Renfrewshire Council’s new community empowerment fund is open to all groups who want to take over ownership and running of a building or piece of land in their area.
Gary said: “We’re very pleased and grateful to Renfrewshire Council for kickstarting this next and very exciting stage in the development of Baker Street Paisley.
“This money, along with funding from Social Investment Scotland and the Scottish Land Fund will allow us to fully develop our business case.
“We believe this wi l l demonstrate the viability of Baker Street.
“If we meet the appropriate criteria, it will unlock the transfer of the land to the rear of the former Arnotts into the ownership of the trust.
“This should hopefully be the first domino to unlock funding for the capital costs required to construct Baker Street.”
The Scottish Land Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The £ 22,150 award will help PCT get their project ready for applying for land ownership.
Gary said: “The Scottish Land Fund board were particularly impressed with our vision to transform a derelict town centre site for community use.
“It’s unusual for an urban project to receive this level of funding from SLF and it’s particularly pleasing to have impressed the board
“There’s a lot to do in the months ahead and we are delighted to receive this support.”
Meanwhile, the money from Social Investment Scotland has come from its ASSIST Business Support programme which supports organisations making a difference in their community.
Joanne Karatzidis, investment manager at Social Investment Scotland, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Paisley Community Trust to secure them this support through our ASSIST programme.
“I have no doubt that once this project has been completed, it will be a valuable asset to the local community”.
Gary added said: “It’s especially pleasing to receive this grant award as it’s a recognition of the impact Baker Street will have on our local community. Thanks so much to SIS for its support, this will help enormously.”